Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Examining the Relationship Between Resilience, Mental Health and Fitness Outcomes in Firefighters.","authors":"Daniel R Greene, A Maleah Holland-Winkler, Austin A Kohler, William R Kinnaird","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020142","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Firefighters have an increased risk of both mental and physical health conditions due to experiencing various forms of extreme stress regularly. High levels of resiliency may help firefighters overcome stressful situations and promote better mental and physical health. <b>Objectives</b>: The primary aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between resilience and other psychological variables. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between psychological variables and firefighter fitness outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: Participants included 79 full-time male firefighters with a mean age of 35.9. They completed the following psychological questionnaires in this order: PTSD checklist for DSM-5, Dispositional Resilience Scale 15-item, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults and Beck Depression Inventory. They completed the following fitness tests in this order: maximum number of push-ups in two minutes, maximum time holding a plank and minimum time completing running and/or walking 1.5 miles. <b>Results</b>: Resilience was correlated with and predicted significant variance in depression, trait anxiety, state anxiety and PTSD symptoms in firefighters (all <i>p</i>'s < 0.025). Further, all psychological variables were significantly correlated with and predictive of each other. However, only scores on the Beck Depression Inventory were associated with push-ups completed (<i>p</i> = 0.014). No other psychological variable was related to fitness outcomes in firefighters. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study demonstrated resilience was significantly related to anxiety, depressive symptoms and PSTD symptoms in firefighters but not fitness outcomes. This highlights the protective effects of resilience on mental health, but future work needs to explore other psychological mechanisms to predict physiological performance variables in firefighters.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Kinematic and Kinetic Gait Principal Component Domains in Older Adults With and Without Functional Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Juliana Moreira, Bruno Cunha, José Félix, Rubim Santos, Andreia S P Sousa","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020140","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: Gait kinematic and kinetic changes have been identified in older adults, highlighting the need to explore the principal age-related components and how these are associated with functional disability. This study aims to perform a factor analysis, including gait kinematic and kinetic parameters in older adults to establish determinant gait domains. Additionally, this study aims to identify which domains differentiate those without and with functional disability. <b>Methods</b>: Through a cross-sectional design, older adults aged 60 and over (n = 35 without and n = 25 with functional disability) were analyzed during overground gait. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine principal components from gait parameters previously demonstrated to express age-related effects (spatiotemporal parameters, sagittal ankle moment and power, ground reaction forces peak, and tridimensional lower limb joints range of motion and positions at heel strike and toe-off). <b>Results</b>: <i>Pace</i>, <i>variability</i>, <i>propulsion</i>, <i>hip and knee control</i>, <i>transverse ankle control</i>, <i>asymmetry</i>, <i>sagittal ankle control</i>, <i>frontal ankle</i> control, <i>frontal hip control</i>, and <i>pre-swing control</i> domains explained 83.90% of the total gait variance in older adults. <i>pace</i> and <i>frontal hip control</i> distinguished individuals with disabilities. <b>Conclusions</b>: PCA identified ten gait domains in older adults. <i>Pace</i> and <i>frontal hip control</i> distinguished disabilities, revealing cautious walking patterns and weaker hip abductor strength.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101232/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"More than Just Type 1 or Type 2: Radiologically and Anatomically Refined Lunate Classification Correlating Ulnar Carpal Alignment and Hamate-Lunate Osteoarthrosis.","authors":"Wolfram Demmer, Lia K Fialka, Jens Waschke, Irene Mesas Aranda, Elisabeth Haas-Lützenberger, Riccardo Giunta, Paul Reidler","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020141","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020141","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Hamate-lunate impingement or osteoarthritis can be a cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. In the literature, the lunate has commonly been classified according to the configuration of its distal articular surface into type 1 and type 2, as described by Viegas. A type 1 lunate possesses only a distal articular surface for the capitate, while a type 2 lunate shows an additional medial facet articulating directly with the hamate. Type 2 lunates have been identified as a risk factor for ulnar-sided wrist pain and the development of osteoarthritis in the midcarpal wrist. However, this does not sufficiently explain all arthritic changes between the hamate and lunate. <b>Methods:</b> In this prospective anatomical-radiological cadaver study, 60 wrists were examined. The midcarpal articulation was documented using conventional X-ray, CT arthrography, and anatomical dissection. The study specifically analyzed the positioning of the lunate relative to the hamate apex and its association with the development of hamate-lunate osteoarthritis. For this purpose, the classification by Viegas was refined. Based on posterior-anterior (p.a.) X-ray examinations of the wrist lunates were divided into type 1a, type 1b, and type 2. The type 1a lunate articulates only with the capitate in the midcarpal joint. The type 1b lunate also articulates only with the capitate; however, medially, the apex of the hamate protrudes beyond a Differentiation Line (D-line), which extends from the radial border of the trapezium or the ulnar border of the lunotriquetral (LT) space, without forming a facet with the lunate. A type 2 lunate articulates distally with the capitate and has an additional medial facet with the hamate. <b>Results:</b> Osteoarthritis between the hamate and lunate was observed in both Viegas type 1 and type 2 lunates. According to our refined lunate classification, both in situ and radiologically, type 1b and type 2 lunates showed a substantially higher prevalence and severity of hamate-lunate osteoarthritis compared to type 1a lunates. However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of hamate-lunate osteoarthritis between type 1b and type 2 lunates. <b>Conclusions:</b> Assessing lunate type and signs of osteoarthritis is essential when evaluating patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain. Our study demonstrates that osteoarthritis in Viegas type 1 lunate is influenced by the position of the hamate apex relative to the D-line. The refined lunate classification, based on correlated radiological and anatomical studies of the wrist, provides a straightforward method for identifying a potential cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain on p.a. X-rays. This classification can help guide further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, such as wrist arthroscopy with possible resection of the hamate apex.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101237/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of a Hemsball-Based Program on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Daniel González-Devesa, Nerea Blanco-Martínez, Carlos Ayán-Pérez","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020139","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This systematic review aims to critically analyze the available evidence on the effects of hemsball interventions in children and adolescents. <b>Methods:</b> This study followed PRISMA guidelines for identifying, selecting, and analyzing investigations. Systematic searches were conducted in five electronic databases (Web of Science, SportDiscus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus) until 23 February 2025. Only intervention studies with a control group assessing the effects of hemsball in children and adolescents were included. The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the PEDro scale, while comparative studies were analyzed using the MINORS index. <b>Results:</b> Out of 138 initially identified studies, five met the inclusion criteria. The included studies evaluated the effects of hemsball on balance, coordination, agility, manual dexterity, attention, and lower limb strength. The findings indicated significant improvements in balance, coordination, and manual dexterity in groups that participated in hemsball compared to controls. However, no significant differences were found in agility and lower limb strength. <b>Conclusions:</b> Hemsball programs appear to be effective in enhancing motor and coordination skills in children and adolescents, particularly in populations with special educational needs. However, the heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of information on intervention intensity limit the strength of the conclusions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"No Long-Term Superiority of Cord-Derived PRP over Autologous PRP in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Michele Coviello, Antonella Abate, Giuseppe Maccagnano, Alessandro Geronimo, Elio Caiaffa, Vittorio Nappi, Vincenzo Caiaffa, Giuseppe Solarino","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020138","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely studied as a biological treatment for OA, with autologous PRP (A-PRP) being the most commonly used formulation. Recently, umbilical cord-derived PRP (C-PRP) has emerged as a potential alternative due to its hypothesized higher regenerative potential. However, evidence supporting its superiority over A-PRP remains limited. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of C-PRP and A-PRP in terms of pain relief and functional improvement over a 12-month follow-up period. <b>Methods:</b> This prospective cohort study included 84 patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-III), into two groups: 44 patients received a single intra-articular injection of C-PRP, and 40 received A-PRP. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U, Exact Fisher test, repeated measures general linear model (GLM) and multivariate logistic regression. <b>Results:</b> Both C-PRP and A-PRP led to significant pain reduction and functional improvement over 12 months (<i>p</i> < 0.01 for both groups). Short-term analysis (3-6 months) showed slightly greater pain relief in the C-PRP group (VAS, <i>p</i> = 0.03 at 3 months), but this difference diminished at later time points. By 9 and 12 months, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in any clinical outcome measures (VAS, WOMAC, KOOS; <i>p</i> > 0.05). No serious adverse events were reported, and both treatments were well tolerated. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study found no long-term superiority of C-PRP over A-PRP in terms of pain relief or functional improvement in knee OA. While C-PRP showed a transient advantage in early pain relief, both treatments demonstrated similar clinical outcomes at 12 months. Given the limited scientific evidence supporting C-PRP and its higher logistical costs, A-PRP should remain the preferred PRP therapy for knee OA. Further randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015781/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Demographic and Occupational Determinants of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Monika S Popova, Silviya P Nikolova, Silviya I Filkova","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020137","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in professions requiring prolonged static postures. <b>Objectives:</b> This study examined the influence of demographic and occupational factors on the WMSD prevalence and provides evidence-based recommendations for workplace health improvements. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study (July-September 2024) surveyed 80 office employees in Varna, Bulgaria, using the Prevent 4 Work (P4Wq) questionnaire. ANOVA and <i>t</i>-tests assessed the WMSD prevalence across demographics, while Pearson's correlations examined associations with age, BMI, and work experience. Data were analyzed in Jamovi v.2.6 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Results</b>: The sample (92.5% women, mean age 47.2 years) reported a high WMSD prevalence, with cervical pain (88.8%), lower back pain (83.8%), and shoulder pain (75.0%) being the most common. Work experience, age, and BMI were significantly correlated with WMSD severity, while gender showed no significant associations. <b>Conclusions</b>: WMSDs are highly prevalent among office employees, with lower back, neck, and shoulder pain being the most common complaints. Factors such as higher BMI, longer work experience, and increased workload are associated with greater symptom severity. These results emphasize the urgent need for targeted workplace interventions aimed at reducing ergonomic risks, improving posture, and enhancing employee well-being, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015905/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reliability of Muscle Oxygen Saturation for Evaluating Exercise Intensity and Knee Joint Load Indicators.","authors":"Aldo A Vasquez-Bonilla, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Matías Monsalves-Álvarez, Marcelo Tuesta, Daniel Duclos-Bastías, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, Jorge Olivares-Arancibia, Eduardo Guzmán-Muñoz, José Francisco López-Gil","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020136","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) and its correlation with variables from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor placed on the knee at different exercise intensities. <b>Methods:</b> Fourteen university athletes participated in the study. Incremental ergospirometry was performed to exhaustion to calculate V'O₂max, determine training zones, heart rate, and workload using the IMU, and analyze muscle metabolism by SmO₂. <b>Results:</b> The analysis revealed significant differences between moderate-to-high-intensity zones (80-89% vs. 50-69%, Δ = 27% of SmO₂; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and high-intensity zones (90-100% vs. 50-79%, Δ = 35% of SmO₂; <i>p</i> < 0.001). SmO₂ values showed moderate reliability at moderate exercise intensities (e.g., ICC 0.744 at 50%) and high variability at higher intensities, with ICC values around 0.577-0.594, and CV% increasing up to 77.7% at 100% intensity, indicating decreasing consistency as exercise intensity increases. SmO₂ significantly decreases with increasing angular velocity (β = -13.9, <i>p</i> < 0.001), while knee joint load only shows significant correlations with SmO₂ in the moderate-to-high-intensity zones (r = 0.569, <i>p</i> = 0.004) and high-intensity zones (r = 0.455, <i>p</i> = 0.012). <b>Conclusions:</b> SmO₂ is a key predictor of performance during maximal incremental exercise, particularly in high-intensity zones. Moreover, SmO₂ has the potential to serve as a physiological marker of the internal load on the muscles surrounding the knee during exercise. The SmO₂ decrease could depend on the angular velocity and impact of the exposed knee during running.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of Handgrip Strength as a Health Indicator in Public Sector Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Raynann Crislayne de Souza Borges, Mayara Bocchi, Joyce Cristina Freitas, Ana Karolina Assis Carvalho Silva, Luiz Fernando Gouvêa-E-Silva, David Michel de Oliveira, Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020135","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> Handgrip strength (HGS) has been used as an important health indicator due to its ability to predict morbidity and mortality risks in various populations. The aim was to investigate the relationship between HGS and health parameters among public sector workers. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was carried out, including the participation of 129 workers. The body composition, presence of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), physical activity level, and physical capacity (flexibility, HGS, and lower limb endurance) of the workers were evaluated. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that most of the employees, regardless of sex, work in the administrative sector, are aged 40 years or older, have chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), and are physically inactive. The majority of women have a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range and are more flexible. On the other hand, men demonstrated greater lower limb endurance. Lower HGS was associated with a higher BMI, the presence of a CNCD, and worse lower limb endurance. A negative correlation was observed between HGS and age, BMI, and body fat. Conversely, a positive correlation was found between HGS and muscle mass, as well as with lower limb muscle endurance. <b>Conclusions:</b> It can be concluded that individuals with lower HGS are more likely to have a high BMI, develop a CNCD, and present worse lower muscular endurance. Additionally, HGS was found to be reduced in older individuals and/or those with higher levels of body fat, and to be higher in those with normal physical capacity and body composition.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spinal Region Prevalence of Angle Trunk Rotation in Adolescent Male Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Eleni Theodorou, Eleanna Chalari, Marios Hadjicharalambous","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020134","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Spinal asymmetries and postural deviations are common concerns in young athletes, particularly those engaged in sports requiring repetitive and asymmetrical movements. Soccer, as a dynamic sport, involves high levels of trunk rotation, rapid directional changes, and frequent loading asymmetry, which may predispose players to spinal deviations. This study aimed to investigate the regional prevalence of primary and secondary angle trunk rotation (ATR) in adolescent male soccer players across different age groups. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 502 male participants (291 soccer players and 211 nonathletes) aged 11 to 14 years were included in the study. Participants underwent scoliosis screening using a scoliometer following Adam's forward bending test. ATR measurements were recorded at the thoracic and lumbar spinal regions, with primary ATR (ATR-A) and secondary ATR (ATR-B) assessed separately. A chi-square test (χ²) evaluated the association between training level and the regional prevalence of ATR across different age groups. <b>Results:</b> No significant differences were observed in the regional prevalence of ATR-A and ATR-B in the 11-year-old group. However, by age 12, significant differences emerged in ATR-A prevalence (χ²(3) = 16.469, <i>p</i> = 0.001), while ATR-B remained nonsignificant (χ²(2) = 4.040, <i>p</i> = 0.133). In the 13- and 14-year-old groups, significant associations were found for both ATR-A (χ²(3) = 57.219, <i>p</i> < 0.001; χ²(4) = 34.157, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and ATR-B (χ²(3) = 31.481, <i>p</i> < 0.001; χ²(2) = 17.805, <i>p</i> < 0.001), with moderate to strong effect sizes. <b>Conclusions:</b> While no significant differences were observed in younger players, 13- and 14-year-old soccer players exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of ATR than nonathletes. The findings suggest that soccer players exhibited a higher prevalence of spinal asymmetries, particularly in older age groups, with lumbar ATR being more pronounced. The study highlights an increasing trend of spinal asymmetries with training level among young soccer players, likely due to the cumulative effects of asymmetric movement patterns. These findings emphasize the need for early detection and corrective interventions to mitigate potential long-term musculoskeletal imbalances in adolescent soccer players.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015858/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychometric Characteristics of Smartphone-Based Gait Analyses in Chronic Health Conditions: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Tobias Bea, Helmi Chaabene, Constantin Wilhelm Freitag, Lutz Schega","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020133","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Chronic health conditions frequently result in gait disturbances, impacting quality of life and mobility. Smartphone-based gait analysis has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional methods, offering accessibility, cost effectiveness, and portability. This systematic review evaluates smartphone-based inertial measurement units' validity, reliability, and sensitivity for assessing gait parameters in individuals with chronic conditions. <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive literature search in Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SportDiscus identified 54 eligible studies. <b>Results:</b> Validity was evaluated in 70% of the included studies, with results showing moderate-to-strong associations between smartphone apps and gold-standard systems (e.g., Vicon), particularly for parameters such as gait speed and stride length (e.g., r = 0.42-0.97). However, variability was evident across studies depending on the health condition, measurement protocols, and device placement. Reliability, examined in only 27% of the included studies, displayed a similar trend, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from moderate (ICC = 0.53) to excellent (ICC = 0.95) for spatiotemporal parameters. Sensitivity and specificity metrics were explored in 41% and 35% of the included studies, respectively, with several applications achieving over 90% accuracy in detecting gait abnormalities. Feasibility was rated positively in 94% of the included studies, emphasising the practical advantages of smartphones in diverse settings. <b>Conclusions:</b> The findings of this systematic review endorse the clinical potential of smartphones for remote and real-world gait analysis, while highlighting the need for standardised methodologies. Future research should adopt a more comprehensive approach to psychometric evaluation, ensuring that reliability aspects are adequately explored. Additionally, long-term studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of smartphone-based technologies in supporting the personalised treatment and proactive management of chronic conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12015829/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}